Find the latest news about wildfires across Arizona, including road closures, evacuation orders, fire weather alerts and what to watch for day by day.

July 12: Southeastern Arizona fire chars 3.2 square miles

Authorities say a wildfire burning mostly on state land in southeastern Arizona charred about 3.2 square miles in 12 hours.

The fire was reported about 10 p.m. Tuesday some 15 miles southeast of Sunizona and southwest of the Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County.

Authorities say the flames have been fanned by gusty winds. The cause of the fire isn't immediately clear.

Authorities say there was zero percent containment as of late Wednesday afternoon.
They say 80 percent of the fire is on state land with 20 percent on Coronado National Forest land.

More than 150 firefighters are at the scene including nearly a dozen aircraft plus water tenders and engines.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is managing the wildfire with assistance from the Coronado National Forest.

Associated Press contributed to this article.

July 8: No evacuations near Daisy Mountain

Phoenix fire officials said there have been no evacuation orders issued in the Daisy Mountain and Black Canyon City area, and none are needed at this point.

Strong winds have pushed smoke from a nearby fire into the region and Phoenix Fire spokesman Larry Subervi said the department has been "inundated" with 911 calls from people asking if they need to evacuate because of smoke coming from the wildfire near the Interstate 17 at milepost 244.

Subervi said there is "no threat of fire at this time" but said anyone with health or respiratory problems that are sensitive to smoke can choose to leave the area or take other precautions.

The nearest fire to the area appears to be the Brooklyn Fire, burning six miles northeast of Black Canyon City.

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High temperatures in the Tucson area are expected to range from 109 to 114 on Thursday and Friday. Fire management team spokeswoman Sandra Lopez said heat limits what firefighters can do and carry, while restricting the use of aircraft.

An anticpated weather change by Saturday is expected to help firefighters by increasing moisture and producing rainfall.

The fire has burned more than 38 square miles, and its perimeter is 11 percent contained. The summer-retreat community of Summerhaven atop Mount Lemmon remains evacuated.

Nearly 700 personnel are assigned to the fire, which started Friday. Its cause remains under investigation.

Associated Press contributed to this article.

July 4: Burro Fire rages northeast of Tucson

Frye Fire

Lightning started the Frye Fire on June 7. About 648 officials have been combating the fire that has burned approximately 46,760 acres. The fire is 45% contained, according to Coronado National Forest officials.

Officials say they're estimating that the fire will be fully contained by July 30.

Burro Fire

The Burro Fire is still raging northeast of Tuscon. The fire has burned 19,057 acres and is zero percent contained, according to the Coronado National Forest.

There are 469 people fighting the fire that started on June 30.

Officials said that "zero containment doesn't mean zero effort," as firefighters have stopped the fire's advance on the south side, and made contingency plans to protect structures in areas where the fire might advance.

An evacuation order remains in place for residents along the Catalina Highway up to Summerhaven, said the Coronado National Forest.

Officials said a stage 2 fire restriction has been implemented in the forest, which prohibits building a fire, using an explosive, smoking outside of a building or car, firing a weapon and driving a vehicle off road.

Fireworks are also prohibited year-round on all federal lands, according to the Coronado National Forest.

Goodwin Fire

The Goodwin Fire is 91% contained and expected to be fully contained by July 13, according to the Prescott National Forest.

Officials said the cause is still under investigation, but the fire started sometime during the afternoon of June 24.

Forest service officials continued to warm the public of the dangers of flying drones in a area close to a wildfire.

The Prescott National Forest stated that, "[It's] illegal, endangers aviators as well as crews on the ground, and slows operations which potentially could result in the fire increasing in size."

Flying a drone near a wildfire can result in large fines up to $25,00 and jail time, according to officials.

July 3: Community on Mount Lemmon evacuated

Summerhaven, a small community on Mount Lemmon, was ordered to be evacuated beginning at 6 a.m. July 3.

No residents will be allowed back into the community, which includes part-time residents and cabin owners, until the order is lifted, Coronado National Forest officials said.

The fire had grown to 14,000 acres.

Goodwin Fire

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office announced that several evacuation orders had been lifted.

Residents of Walker, Potato Patch, Mount Union, Mountain Pine Acres, Pine Flat (Forest Road 177) and the west side of Poland Junction just south of Mayer were allowed back in their communities in the morning, and residents of Breezy Pines (Forest Road 58) were to be allowed back into their homes after noon.

Because the fire was still active, residents were urged to remain vigilant and monitor fire news.

The Yavapai County Sheriff Office urged residents whose wells may have been affected to avoid the use of water for cooking or consumption until the water was tested by the county health department.

July 2: Burro Fire grows to 5,000 acres

Evacuations have been ordered in the area of the Burro Fire northeast of Tucson, and a Type 1 Incident Management Team was assigned to take control of the fire on July 2.

The fire started about 10:30 a.m. June 30, according to Coronado National Forest officials.

Officials say the fire is in the foothills of Redington Pass near Burro Tank. The fire has burned 5,000 acres, primarily high grass and brush.

Redington Road is closed from milepost 2 to 14. The Mount Lemmon Highway is now closed from the base to the Palisades area.

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

The greatest potential for fire growth continues to be on the north and northwest portions of the fire, burning 14 miles southwest of Prescott in Yavapai County. Fire crews are working July 2 to complete burnout operations and to hold the line on the northwest side of the fire to prevent threats to Breezy Pines and Walker.

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June Dolder (left) and Barbara Johnson sit in front of the barbershop Dolder owns on June 30, 2017, in the town of Mayer, which was evacuated because of the Goodwin Fire. Dolder posted a sign on the storefront thanking firefighters for their efforts. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Katie Maher, a resident of Humboldt, looks at a map showing the progress of the Goodwin Fire on June 30, 2017. In coordination with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team held a community meeting to keep residents updated on the status of the Goodwin fire. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Todd Abel, operations section chief of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, provides updates on efforts by firefighters to contain the Goodwin Fire on June 30, 2017. The fire is 43 percent contained as of June 29. Sam Caravana/The Republic

David Cook, a resident of Mayer who was evacuated, explains on June 30, 2017, how he first heard of the evacuation order. Mayer residents were allowed to return to their homes on June 29. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Members of the Navajo Scouts clear brush near Dewey-Humboldt to create an area for a vehicle wash station on June 30, 2017. The station is designed to limit the spread of noxious plants by firefighting vehicles. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Smoke from the Goodwin Fire rises behind a sign in the town of Mayer on June 30, 2017, which was evacuated earlier this week. Mayer residents were allowed to return to their homes on June 29. Sam Caravana/The Republic

David Cook, a resident of Mayer who was evacuated, explains on June 30, 2017, how he first heard of the evacuation order. Mayer residents were allowed to return to their homes on June 29. Sam Caravana/The Republic

David Cook, a resident of Mayer who was evacuated, explains on June 30, 2017, how he first heard of the evacuation order. Mayer residents were allowed to return to their homes on June 29. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Barbara Johnson sits on June 30, 2017, in front of the barbershop located in Mayer where she is employed. The town was evacuated because of the Goodwin Fire. Johnson and her boss posted a sign on the storefront thanking firefighters for their efforts. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Jim Haas (left), a resident of Poland Junction, listens to speakers talk about the Goodwin Fire in Prescott Valley on June 29, 2017. Haas and his family were evacuated and are living with friends. In coordination with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team held a community meeting to keep residents updated on the status of the Goodwin Fire. Sam Caravana/The Republic

In coordination with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team held a community meeting to keep residents updated on the status of the Goodwin Fire. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is briefed by the Southwest Incident Management Team, and state, county and local officials about the Goodwin Fire on June 29, 2017, at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School in Dewey. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Gov. Doug Ducey talks to the Southwest Incident Management Team and state, county and local officials about the Goodwin Fire on June 29, 2017, at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School in Dewey. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Gov. Doug Ducey thanks Red Cross volunteer Shannon Durham for her service at the Goodwin Fire evacuees center at Bradshaw Mountain High School on June 29, 2017, in Prescott Valley. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Jeremy Brinkerhoff (left) and Pam Link (right) sort donated clothes in Prescott Valley on June 29, 2017. Members of Serve Collective organize and pack donations of water and clothes for the people displaced by the Goodwin Fire. The collection was organized by the Salvation Army. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Sonny Shallow (from left), Dan Stoddard and Travis Collins sort donated clothes in Prescott Valley on June 29, 2017. Members of Serve Collective organize and pack donations of water and clothes for the people displaced by the Goodwin Fire. The collection was organized by the Salvation Army. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Dan Stoddard packs donated clothes into a box. Members of Serve Collective organize and pack donations of water and clothes for people displaced by the Goodwin Fire. The collection was organized by the Salvation Army. Sam Caravana/The Republic

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is briefed by theSouthwest Incident Management Team, state and county and local officials at the Goodwin Fire, which has burned 25,000 acres, on June 29, 2017, at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School in Dewey. The Goodwin Fire is currently at 25 percent containment, burning 14 miles south of Prescott. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey checks on the welfare of evacuees from the community of Pine Flats on June 29, 2017, at Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley. The Goodwin Fire has burned 25,000 acres and is currently at 25 percent containment, 14 miles south of Prescott. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Theanasia Barnes unloads her belongings after being allowed back to her home Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Mayer, Ariz. She was evacuated as the Goodwin Fire closed in on their town. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Nathan Henson's (not pictured) apricots covered in slurry used by firefighters battling the Goodwin Fire Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Mayer, Ariz. Henson said he was going to pick them the day he was evacuated. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Nathan Henson's examines his apricots covered in slurry used by firefighters battling the Goodwin Fire Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Mayer, Ariz. Henson said he was going to pick them the day he was evacuated. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

A DC-10 drops retardant over the community of Blue Hills at Goodwin Fire on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Mayer, Ariz. Officials on Wednesday ordered more mandatory evacuations for several areas near the Goodwin Fire, burning 14 miles south of Prescott. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Lt. Frank Barbaro from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office announces that Mayer will open to residents at 10 a.m. June 29, 2017, during a briefing on the Goodwin Fire in Prescott Valley, Arizona. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Todd Abel, Southwest Area Incident Management Team operations section chief, discusses the changes in the Goodwin Fire on Thursday, June 29, 2017, during a briefing in Prescott Valley, Arizona. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Todd Abel, Southwest Area Incident Management Team operations section chief, discusses the changes in the Goodwin Fire Thursday, June 29, 2017, during a briefing in Prescott Valley, Arizona. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Volunteers Deidree McHenry and Jan Mauck from Animal Disaster Services care for displaced animals at Bradshaw Mountain High School Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. the animals were displaced due to the Goodwin Fire. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Volunteers from Animal Disaster Services care for displaced animals at Bradshaw Mountain High School on June 28, 2017, in Prescott Valley. The animals were displaced due to the Goodwin Fire. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Cheryl Kinnaman and her dog Heaven sit outside the American Red Cross shelter at Bradshaw Mountain High School on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Kinnaman was evacuated from her home due to the Goodwin Fire. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

Cheryl Kinnaman and her dog Heaven sit outside the American Red Cross shelter at Bradshaw Mountain High School on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Kinnaman was evacuated from her home due to the Goodwin Fire. David Kadlubowski/The Republic

With conditions worsening for the Goodwin Fire, Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency in Yavapai County on June 28, 2017. The fire had grown to 21,000 acres and burned at least some structures in its widening path, officials said early in the day. Arizona Department of Transportation

An aircraft drops slurry on the Goodwin Fire over the community of Blue Hills on June 28, 2017, in Mayer. Officials on Wednesday ordered more mandatory evacuations for several areas near the Goodwin Fire, burning 14 miles south of Prescott. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

An aircraft drops slurry over the community of Blue Hills at the Goodwin Fire on June 28, 2017, in Mayer. Officials on Wednesday ordered more mandatory evacuations for several areas near the Goodwin Fire, burning 14 miles south of Prescott. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Ranchers pull out their livestock from the community of Blue Hills away from the Goodwin Fire on June 28, 2017. Officials on Wednesday ordered more mandatory evacuations for several areas near the Goodwin Fire, burning 14 miles south of Prescott. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

John Pierson, Southwest Incident commander, holds a press briefing at the Goodwin Fire, which has burned more than 20,000 acres and crossed State Route 69, on June 28, 2017, in Mayer. Officials ordered mandatory evacuations for several areas near the Goodwin Fire, burning 14 miles south of Prescott near the communities of Mayer and Poland Junction. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Scott Klempner of Dewey eats outside the animal shelter at Bradshaw Mountain High School on June 28, 2017. The shelter was at capacity, so he planned to spend the night in his camper with his two dogs. He still had to take seven parrots to another shelter several miles away. Scott Craven/The Republic

In this Tuesday, June 27, 2017, frame from video, flames and smoke rise from the Goodwin Fire near Mayer. The town, along with several other mountain communities in the area, evacuated. Jennifer Johnson/AP

At the time of this photo on June 27, 2017, firefighter crews were battling windy conditions at the Goodwin Fire in Prescott. By the morning of June 28, 2017, the fire had spread to 20,644 acres. Governor Doug Ducey called it the state's "top priority." Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Todd Abel, Southwest Area Incident Management Team Operations Section chief, briefs the public on the Goodwin Fire, June 27, 2017, at the Bradshaw Mountain High School Gym in Prescott Valley. The town of Mayer was evacuated Tuesday. Tom Tingle/The Republic

Todd Abel, Southwest Area Incident Management Team Operations Section chief, briefs the public on the Goodwin Fire, June 27, 2017, at the Bradshaw Mountain High School Gym in Prescott Valley. Tom Tingle/The Republic

Officials on June 27, 2017, ordered more mandatory evacuations for several areas near the Goodwin Fire, burning 14 miles south of Prescott and south of the community of Mayer. Arizona Department of Transportation

The Frye Fire continues to burn in steep rugged terrain on the slopes of Mount Graham in the Pinaleno Mountain Range, growing to 45,154 acres in size on July 2, according to Coronado National forest officials.

The day's goal is to keep the fire confined to National Forest System lands and keep it from burning onto adjoining state and private lands. Monsoon moisture will be on the rise as the week progresses, with daily afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible.

The Frye Fyre continues to burn on July 2, 2017.(Photo: Coronado National Forest)

July 1: Goodwin Fire over 25,000 acres

The Goodwin Fire just south of Prescott has reached 25,714 acres as of 7:40 a.m. Saturday, according to the InciWeb.

Several communities are under evacuation orders today including Blue Hills, Upper Blue Hills, Dewey and all areas west of SR 69 south to mile post 280, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.

There are 1,222 personnel working on the fire and it is currently 44 percent contained.

Crews today will be working in the Breezy Pines area, trying to stop any northward movement of the fire.

The cause of this fire is still unknown.

Gentry Fire

The Gentry fire located in the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has reached over 400 acres as of Saturday morning.

The fire, caused by lighting, is 10 percent contained with 212 personnel working to put out the fire.

Crews are mainly working with tall grass, brush, high temperatures and low humidity.

Swisshelms Fire

Swisshelm fire continues to burn grass and brush 10 miles east of Elfrida, in Southern Arizona. It is currently 30 percent contained as of Monday morning.(Photo: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management)

According to the Arizona State Forestry, the Swisshelms fire has burned almost 8,000 acres.

Gusty winds are adding to the dynamic fire behavior.

The Swisshelms Fire just east of Elfrida has grown to 7,250 acres since June 27, burning in tall grass and brush. The fire is 25 percent contained.

Crews are worried about high temperatures and low humidity that increase the potential for dynamic fire behavior.

June 29: New: Gentry Fire burns near Forest Lakes and Heber-Overgaard

The Gentry Fire has grown to about 100 acres Thursday since it was sparked by lightning on Wednesday, the U.S. Forest Service said.

The fire is burning about 5 miles south of Forest Lakes and 10 miles south of Heber-Overgaard.

Crews were working to protect the Gentry Lookout station on Thursday using Forest Road 300 as a holding line to the south and Forest Road 86 to the north. Forest Road 86 was closed and sections of Forest Road 300 may eventually be closed, the U.S. Forest Service said.

No other structures were threatened.

If conditions allow, the fire may burn out another 400 acres on Thursday night and help burn the dead and downed materials left over from the massive Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 2002.

That fire forced evacuations in Heber-Overgaard and other communities along the Mogollon Rim, destroyed several hundred homes and scorched about 470,000 acres.

The Gentry Fire burnout will help reduce the risk of another high-intensity wildfire.

At the time of this photo on June 27, 2017, firefighter crews were battling windy conditions at the Goodwin Fire in Prescott. By the morning of June 28, 2017, the fire had spread to 20,644 acres. Governor Doug Ducey called it the state's "top priority."(Photo: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management)

June 27: Goodwin Fire prompts Mayer evacuations; main highway closed

The evacuations initially were ordered for everything west of Main Street in Mayer but later included the entire community, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office said.

Mayer is home to about 1,400 residents.

Evacuations also were ordered in the Breezy Pines subdivision, the area north of the Goodwin-Mayer Road/County Road 177, and west of Highway 69 from Mayer to Poland Junction, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.

In addition, Chaparral Hills and Poland Junction Proper were ordered evacuated late Tuesday afternoon. The fire still was west of those communities.

The evacuations do not include areas east of Highway 69, which was closed Tuesday in both directions between Interstate 17 at Cordes Junction and the State Route 169 junction because of the fire on Tuesday.

SR 169 between Prescott Valley and I-17 and SR 89 via U.S. 60 and U.S. 93 through Wickenburg are alternate routes, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

Although abandoned campfires cause plenty of wildfires in the high county, it’s a different story in the desert. Here are six ways you can accidentally start a wildfire.
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Motorists traveling to or from the Prescott area should research conditions, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Go to the Arizona traveler Information site at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter @ArizonaDOT.

Frye Fire

Buildings at the Mount Graham International Observatory escaped harm in the Frye Fire, which has burned more than 38,000 acres in southeast Arizona, but the condition of the telescopes inside is unknown.

"The Forest Service did a great job of fighting the fire back,” said observatory director Eric Buckley. The fire has moved away from buildings and is now burning along Arizona 366, cutting off access to the observatory, Buckley said.

“We just haven’t had a chance to get the technicians and the engineers in those buildings.” Buckley said.

“Telescopes are very, very delicate instruments. Telescopes and heat don’t get along very well … but honestly we just don’t know yet,” he said.

Most of the fire has been within the burn scar of the Nuttall Complex Fire, which scorched about 29,000 acres in 2004.

June 26: Goodwin Fire grows to 1,500 acres

The Goodwin Fire burning about 14 miles south of Prescott had scorched nearly 1,500 acres as of Monday night, officials said.

Fire crews had been order to pull back efforts temporarily Monday as conditions deteriorated, but suppression efforts resumed as conditions improved.

An evacuation order was in place for the community of Pine Flat and a pre-evacuation order for residents of Breezy Pines.

A community information meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mayer High School in Spring Valley.

The fire began Saturday afternoon in the Prescott National Forest and has resulted in the closure of numerous county and forest roads in the area. The cause was under investigation.

Firefighters continued to battle the Frye Fire in southeast Arizona, which has burned more than 38,000 acres. Firefighters have had some success to the east and northeast edges of the blaze, which is burning in the burn scar of the 2004 Nuttall Complex Fire.

Firefighters are trying to keep the fire contained to the burn scar, building fire lines to protect cabins and other structures in the area.

Wind and dry weather remain a concern and could cause the fire to expand, according to a press release updating the fire's progress.

Beeline Highway

Another fire just northeast of Fountain Hills led the Arizona Department of Transportation to close one southbound lane of State Route 87 southbound Monday evening.

The brush fire was near Mile Marker 208, about eight miles south of Sunflower.

David Albo, spokesman for the Tonto National Forest, said the fire had burned 275 acres as of Monday evening and the cause was under investigation. Roughly 70 people were working to combat the fire.

Albo said ground crews were working to establish containment lines, and aircraft and helicopters were used to slow the fire's spread.

SR 87 Southbound at mp 208 (8 miles south of Sunflower): One lane will be closed until at least this evening because of a brush fire.

June 23: Arizona declares emergency in response to wildfires

Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency on Friday in response to the growing number of wildfires in Arizona and directed additional resources be made available for fire-suppression efforts.

The declaration authorizes the release of $200,000 in emergency funds and requests the State Emergency Council provide fire officials with additional resources as needed to combat the fires.

As of Friday afternoon, there were 14 active wildfires around Arizona, the largest of which is the Frye Fire that has burned through more than 21,000 acres of land near Safford.

The lightning-caused fire started on June 7 and was 10 percent contained as of Friday afternoon. Crews expect the fire to be fully contained by July 30.

June 23: Coconino Forest beefs up fire restrictions

Although campfire restrictions were in place last weekend on Coconino National Forest, 34 people had fires anyway, and abandoned them, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service.

The agency will move forward with stage two restrictions, in an effort to further protect the forest. Coconino now has restrictions on smoking, shooting, woodcutting, blow-torching, off-driving and blowing things up.

June 21: Encino Fire destroys 4 homes

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On June 21, 2017, only the chimney stands among the charred remains of one of the homes that was destroyed by the Encino Fire in Sonoita, Ariz. The fire started on Tuesday night. Some 100 firefighters are fighting the fire that spread to over 1,300 acres. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

Hot spots pop up among the plants from the Encino Fire in Sonoita, on June 21, 2017. The fire started on Tuesday night. Some 100 firefighters are fighting the fire that spread to over 1,300 acres. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

A resident drives up a road on June 21, 2017, where the Encino Fire burned through on June 20 in Sonoita. So far, the fire has burned eight structures, including four homes, according to officials. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

On June 21, 2017, Bruce Hollinger takes in the damage around his home after the Encino Fire burned through on Tuesday night in Sonoita. Hollinger lives in the Papago Springs area with his wife. Their home was not damaged, but they do not have any electricity. Some 100 firefighters are fighting the fire that spread to over 1,300 acres. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

A firefighter on June 21, 2017, from Patagonia waters down hot spots from the Encino Fire in Sonoita. The fire started on Tuesday night. Some 100 firefighters are fighting the fire that spread to over 1,300 acres. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

On June 21, 2017, Karen Hollinger takes in the damage around her home after the Encino Fire burned through on Tuesday night in Sonoita. Hollinger lives in the Papago Springs area with her husband. Their home was not damaged, but they do not have any electricity. Some 100 firefighters are fighting the fire that spread to over 1,300 acres. Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

Around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, a wildfire was reported in the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District with an immediate threat to homes, according to the U.S. Forest Service's website. The fire moved quickly through dry grasses and brush and grew to 1,300 acres from gusty winds. U.S. Forest Service

Evacuations were put in place by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department shortly after the fire started. More than 200 fire personnel are working the fire and the cause remains unknown on Wednesday afternoon, June 21, 2017. U.S. Forest Service

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A new, "rapidly spreading" wildfire was sparked on Tuesday in southern Arizona, prompting officials to issue evacuation notices in Sonoita, a small area about 50 miles southeast of Tucson.

The notices were issued for residents on Boyd, Toledo and Terry roads, as well as Apache Trail, Holbrook Drive and all adjacent streets, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

"Last report received was of three homes that have been destroyed and many others remain threatened,'' the Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page Tuesday night.

Officials said evacuees can find refuge at the Sonoita Fairgrounds or the Harvest Church at 3107 Highway 83.

No further details were immediately available.

June 18: Highline Fire evacuation orders lifted

Smoke from the Highline Fire rises from the Tonto National Forest on June 14, 2017.(Photo: U.S. Forest Service)

The Highline Fire near Payson expanded by several hundred acres since Saturday and has now reached 6,092 acres with 60 percent containment as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Tonto National Forest.

The slow growth and large containment prompted officials to lift the evacuation and pre-evacuation orders for residents and local businesses in the Bonita Creek, La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates north of the control road in the fire area, according to the Gila County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said the progress made in the last two days gave them confidence to deem evacuations unnecessary.

All road closures remain in effect around the perimeter of the fire, with officials only granting access to residents and local business traffic.

There are 1,243 fire personnel working on combating the fire.

Crews tonight will focus on the southeast portion of the fire above La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates, officials said.

Structure protection groups will remain in place in the communities south of the fire, while crews on the northwest side of the fire will conduct burnout operations to limit fire movement north, officials said.

The Boundary Fire, burning on Kendrick Mountain 17 miles northwest of Flagstaff, has reached 7,367 acres and was 18 percent contained as of Sunday afternoon, according to officials with the Kaibab National Forest.

Just under 400 personnel were working to combat the fire on Sunday.

North winds overnight on Saturday pushed light smoke into some communities near Flagstaff early Sunday morning, but officials said most smoke was cleared by dawn.

Northeast winds on Sunday are expected to push smoke toward Williams and Bellemont, with officials advising individuals sensitive to smoke to stay indoors.

The closure on Highway 180 between mileposts 236 and 248 remains in effect.

June 17:

The Highline Fire near Payson has burned 7,000 acres as of June 22, 2017, and is nearing containment.(Photo: U.S. Forest Service)

The Highline Fire near Payson has reached 5,737 acres with 44 percent containment as of Saturday morning, according to Mike Reichling from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.

There are 1,240 working firefighters who made success on the east and west sides of the fire Friday night, Reichling said.

Ellison Creek and La Cienega estates are still under evacuation and will remain under evacuation today.

Bonita Creek will be under evacuation notice as of today.

Oficials also said humidity is "critically low" and temperatures are rising, so fire behavior may be very active.

Crews will be working on the north end of the fire today in hopes of containing it, according to officials.

June 16: Flames stop short of community

The Highline Fire made its way down the hills of Gila County and toward the Payson communities of La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates on Thursday night, but stopped short of a fire line built near homes.

Calm and shifting winds on Friday and Saturday are expected to slow the fire's advance and redirect its spread, pushing the flames on top of each other.

"We expect them to push back up the canyon, pushing the fire into itself," a fire team spokesman said Friday morning.

Evacuation orders are still active for La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates, though the emergency shelter at Payson High School stayed empty overnight. A few people checked in, stopping by for a free dinner or the latest fire update, but left to stay with family or friends.

The Highline Fire near Payson has reached 4,929 acres and 35 percent containment as of Friday morning.

There are 1,069 firefighters working on the Mogollon Rim, said Mike Reichling, public information officer for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.

He added that the Mogollon Rim is a challenging area due to the changes in elevation.

Humidity percentage is in the single digits, which makes fire behavior "very erratic because of winds drying out fuels."

Firefighters will be working on the southeastern and western portions; however, they are concerned about using aircrafts.

Because of elevation and heat, aircrafts are limited in their abilities to drop water and retardant, Reichling said.

In addition, 10 people were evacuated from the southeastern side of the fire but three stayed, despite the evacuation orders, according to Reichling.

He said the three that stayed signed forms stating that they understand the risk.

June 15: Evacuations ordered after fires merge

The Highline Fire near Payson has merged with a second wildfire, the Bear Fire, and the combined blaze now has burned over 4,258 acres, officials said Thursday.

An evacuation order was later issued for La Cienega and Ellison Creek Estates northeast of Payson, according to the Tonto National Forest.

The order does not affect the Bonita Creek Estates community, which is still under a pre-evacuation notice.

The evacuations were prompted by "rapid fire movement towards the community," officials said, adding that they were concerned that the fire could reach the community overnight.

The evacuation order became effective 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Residents will not be allowed in until the area is deemed safe again.

A Red Cross shelter is set up at the Payson High School. Large animals can be brought to the Payson Multi-Event Center.

The Highline Fire had been moving toward the Bear Fire, and the two merged Monday. They are now being managed as one fire, the Forest Service said in a press release.

The fire continues to challenge firefighters to the east as it burns in upper Ellison Canyon.

Updates for the Highline Fire can be found at @HighlineFire on Twitter.

June 14: Highline Fire near Payson expands

The 4-day-old Highline fire burned eastward through upper Moore Creek, onto the Myrtle Trail and into upper Ellison Creek as firefighters worked to suppress the flames overnight, officials reported Wednesday.

The fire north of Payson had expanded to more than 1,300 acres, officials said.

Crews used air tankers to slow the fire's progress above the Rim and used strategic fire operations south of the 300 Road at the Rim overnight. The blaze started about 8 miles north of Payson.

Moving forward, firefighters look to hold the fire north of the Highline Trail, south of the 300 Road and create a new line of protection at the head of Ellison Creek.

No evacuations are in effect, though the community of Bonita Creek remains under a precautionary pre-evacuation notice.

Updates for the Highline Fire can be found at @HighlineFire on Twitter.

June 13: Highline Fire lines hold

Crews strengthened fire lines along the north side of the Highline Fire on Tuesday. The U.S. Forest Service said in a press release that crews faced rolling debris and other hazards as they battled the fire, which is burning in steep terrain near Payson.

No evacuations are in effect, though the community of Bonita Creek remains under a precautionary pre-evacuation notice. A community meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Starlight Pines Community Center in Blue Ridge.

Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forests will restrict campfires to developed campgrounds beginning Thursday. Campfires, charcoal and wood stoves are prohibited.

The Lizard Fire on Thursday, June 8, 2017. The eastern flank of the fire and the area above Cochise Stronghold were still quite active, but responded favorably to firefighting efforts, officials said. U.S. Forest Service

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Firefighters continued to battle the Highline Fire near Payson on Monday. The 750-acre blaze moved quickly up the Mogollon Rim when it started Saturday, and by Monday the Forest Service said in a press release that crews had 460 people working day and night for full suppression.

No evacuations were ordered, though a precautionary notice was issued for residents of Bonito Creek Canyon. A community meeting will take place 7 p.m. Monday, June 12 at the Payson High School auditorium, 301 S. McLane Road.

A cold front could bring high southwest winds to the fire, which is burning in rugged terrain with grass, thick brush, oak and ponderosa pine.

Firefighters were using helicopters, back burns and air tankers. Crews from the nearby Bear Fire battled spot fires north of Forest Road 300 and built a fire line with a bulldozer.

In southeast Arizona, the Lizard Fire continued to burn near Dragoon. Firefighters expected dry, windy conditions, which failed to materialize, giving them the opportunity to work the fire’s eastern flanks.

Evacuations were ordered Monday afternoon in the Cochise Stronghold area, beginning at the intersection of Cochise Stronghold and Ironwood Road and including everything west and south from there. A pre-evacuation will remain in the Redhead area, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The fire, which merged with the Dragoon Fire last week, has burned 14,954 acres and is 15 percent contained, according to InciWeb, a multi-agency web site dedicated to wildfire.

Helicopter water drops helped crews working to protect structures in the area.

The lightning-caused fire has 615 firefighters working toward suppression of the fire, which is burning near the communities of Dragoon, Pearce, Sunsites and Cochise Stronghold.

June 11: Tee Fire burns near Black Canyon City

The Tee Fire began burning around 7 p.m. Saturday night about 4 miles away from Black Canyon City and near Table Mesa.

Tiffany Davila, a representative for Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, toldThe Republic that the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was working with the department to ensure nearby campers had evacuated the area. Davila said there weren't any nearby structures for the fire to endanger.

The fire's estimated to be roughly 700 acres.

June 10: 2 fires merge; power threatened

The Lizard Fire has merged with the Dragoon Fire in the Coronado National Forest east of Tucson and is moving south.

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In northern Arizona north of Flagstaff, U.S. 180 remains closed due to smoke from the Boundary Fire.

The lightning-caused fire is burning on the northeast side of Kendrick Peak and includes areas in both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests.

The fire has spread to 3,800 acres, according to fire officials. it is expected to remain active for the next few days as forecasts call for high winds.

June 8: Fires reported in southeast Arizona

A Chinook helicopter drops water onto the Freeze 2 Fire on Sunday, June 11, 2017.(Photo: U.S. Forest Service)

Multiple fires have been reported in southeast Arizona. Five of them were "significant," said Dolores Garcia, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Land Management. Firefighters were battling some of them aggressively because of possible threats to homes and other structures. Among them is the Lizard Fire, which was spread over 3,500 acres on Thursday, June 8.

Meanwhile, increased winds near the Boundary Fire north of Flagstaff forced a closure of U.S. 180 between mileposts 236 and 248, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service.

The multiagency website InciWeb reported that access to the Ten of Diamonds area of the Black River was closed because of the Freeze 2 Fire. The closure includes access points from both Fort Apache Reservation and San Carlos Reservation. The fire is burning on the San Carlos side of the river.

Lightning caused the fire to break out on the northeast side of Kendrick Peak in the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness just before 4:30 p.m.

As of Wednesday evening, the fire had consumed 450 acres and was being fueled by heavy dead and down trees as well as forest debris left from the Pumpkin Fire of 2000, officials said.

The fire was expected to move onto the Kaibab National Forest side of the boundary line within the next several days.

Increased winds are expected over the next few days in the area.

June 7: Slim Fire at 3,000 acres

The Slim Fire is burning about 4 miles north of Forest Lakes in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

The lightning-caused fire was reported June 2 and had grown to about 3,000 acres by Wednesday evening, according to officials.

The fire, which was about 16 miles west of Heber, was burning in Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer.

The fire was 30 percent contained Wednesday, with 304 personnel battling the blaze.

The fire is expected to be fully contained by June 30.

Officials said a flight restriction is in effect over the area, which includes drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

June 7: Snake Ridge Fire fully contained

A boundary map of the Snake Ridge Fire. Officials said Monday, June 12, 2017 that the fire southeast of Sedona was fully contained.(Photo: U.S. Forest Service)

A 15,333-acre wildfire near Happy Jack, southeast of Sedona, was fully contained as of Monday, officials said.

Firefighters began a burnout Sunday morning that they expected would last several days, according to officials.

Burnout activity began around 8 a.m. Sunday as firefighters attempted to contain the fire by mid-week. Crews plan to direct the fire to burn away from property and trail heads for another 15,000 acres for approximately two more weeks.

Smoke drifted toward the northern Arizona communities of Holbrook, Snowflake and Show Low on Sunday and Monday, officials said. Throughout the burnout, smoke was visible from communities along Lake Mary Road, State Routes 87 and 260, and other Verde Valley cities.

The fire ignited due to lightning on May 19 about nine miles northwest of Clints Well, around 10 miles southwest of Happy Jack.

The area around where the fire burned continues to be closed to the public, officials said.

CLOSE

Kaitlyn Webb from the U.S. Forest Service explains how a prescribed burn is conducted and how it helps the forest.

June 2: Roads open near Kellogg Fire

Firefighters secured the perimeter of the Kellogg Fire and turned mop-up operations over to local crews on Friday. The fire burned 780 acres of grasslands near the southeast Arizona town of Sonoita, forcing road closures and evacuations. Two barns were burned in the wind-driven blaze, but evacuations have been lifted and roads have reopened.

“I think our crews got a good handle on it yesterday,” said Tiffany Davila, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The evacuations were largely a precaution because the fire was so close to residential areas.

June 2: Badger Fire nearly contained

Firefighters hoped to see 100 percent containment on the Badger Fire by nightfall, said Dolores Garcia, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Both lanes of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix were open going into the weekend. Garcia said drivers may see some smoke in the area. She encouraged motorists to report smoke if they are unsure where it is coming from.

“We’re going to see, unfortunately, roadside fires, as long as there’s grass along the side of the road,” she said.

June 1: Kellogg Fire forces evacuations

A fast-moving brush fire that sparked Thursday afternoon in Sonoita burned about 250 acres within an hour of its start and forced 15 homes to evacuate, officials said.

The Kellogg Fire broke out about 1 p.m. just south of State Route 82 and north of Old Sonoita Highway, the latter of which is closed.

June 1: Badger Fire stop straffic

Separately, a brush fire alongside Interstate 17 near Cordes Junction brought traffic to a standstill on northbound lanes Thursday afternoon, officials said. The Badger Fire apparently started when a vehicle broke down and was forced to pull off to the side of the road, sparking dry vegetation about 2 p.m.

The fire, which burned more than 60 acres, was controlled in a few hours and the highway reopened about 4:30 p.m., officials said, after traffic backups reached 8 miles.

— Josiah Destin

June 1: Exploding balls fighting blazes

National forest crews have been fighting fire with fire in the last week by dropping combustible spheres that resemble ping-pong balls from helicopters to help control a lightning-caused blaze in Arizona.

The devices are filled with flammable substances that cause them to ignite once they hit the ground. By using the exploding balls, authorities didn’t have to send firefighters into unsafe and remote areas.

“The flammable spheres burn out in a circular pattern on the forest floor, as each circle of fire slowly grows they eventually burn into each other,” said Kaitlyn Webb, a spokesperson for Coconino National Forest.

The fire started on May 19 roughly 8 miles southwest of Happy Jack and has since covered more than 12.5 square miles, Incident Commander trainee Jason McElfresh said.

Authorities expect to soon have the fire contained.

— Associated Press

May 30: Restrictions in Prescott National Forest

Fire restrictions will go into effect in Prescott National Forest at 8 a.m. June 1. Campfires and charcoal and wood stoves will only be allowed in developed campsites and recreation sites with metal rings or grills until the ban is lifted.

Smoking is prohibited except in vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites. Smokers are required to remain in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Target shooting is also prohibited under the ban.

Dry, windy conditions and a number of abandoned campfires over the Memorial Day weekend led to the ban, the Forest Service said in a news release.

A wet winter brought relief throughout Prescott National Forest, but the moisture also helped grass grow, and that grass is drying. Tall grass can make fires difficult to control.

As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, land managers are restricting campfires to metal fire rings in developed campgrounds.(Photo: Special for The Republic)

The evacuation orders in Black Canyon City were lifted on the evening of May 28 as firefighters gained about 50 percent control of the fire that started in a salvage yard Saturday.

The American Red Cross closed the shelter it set up for about 20 people who were forced from their homes, including two people who lost their homes, the organization said.

Those two people, as well as one person who was placed in a hotel for health concerns during the fire, will be provided follow-on services from the Red Cross, the organization said.

May 28: Joe's Hill Fire expands to 50 acres

About 200 firefighters were battling a 50-acre blaze that forced evacuations for about 20 homes in Black Canyon City and destroyed six structures.

The Joe's Hill Fire broke out again late May 27 in a salvage yard, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

"We're looking at about 35 residents that have been evacuated," said Daisy Mountain Fire Chief Mark Nichols.

Officials hope to have the fire suppressed by 6 p.m. May 29, according to The Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

The fire was initially contained by local fire departments, but the Department of Forestry and Fire Management said that the fire started back up under suspicious circumstances later that night.

The cause of the fires is not currently known, and is under investigation according to the department.

"We're doing an evaluation of the fire right now," Nichols said.

There have been no additional evacuations and no permanent structures damaged outside of the facility where the fire started, according to the department.

"We've lost a couple structures but we don't have an exact count. We're thinking we've lost up to six," Nichols said.

Nichols was confident that the firefighters would be successful in their suppression efforts.

"Everything is looking good so far," he said.

May 28: Residents near Joe Hill Fire evacuated

Just after 11 p.m. May 27 a fire, dubbed the Joe Hill Fire, broke out at the C and S, an auto salvage yard on Smitty Way at Tara Springs Road in Black Canyon City, authorities said.

An initial brush fire in the area had been thought to be extinguished, but continued to burn, affecting the yard.

Crews worked overnight to contain the fire, which was reported to be at 15 acres on the morning of May 28, It was an multi-agency effort, involving about 240 firefighters from Black Canyon, Daisy Mountain, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix and Glendale fire departments.

Residents in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution, with a shelter set up at the Canon School near Velda Rose and School Loop roads.

No further evacuations were expected as of 6 a.m. Sunday, but the Red Cross said they will remain on hand to provide support

May 27: Road closures for Pinal Fire expands

The Pinal Fire closure order has been expanded to include portions of three roads and an additional area, authorities said.

The revisions will remain in effect until July 31, or until the Pinal Fire has been mitigated.

The portion of Forest Road 55, locally known as Russell Road, has been closed from the Tonoto National Forest boundary south to the intersection of Forest Road 652, as well as east to the intersection with Forest Road 112C.

The portion of Forest Road 157, from the forest boundary south to the intersection with Forest Road 55.

The portion of Forest Road 112C from the intersection with Forest Road 55 in Kellner Canyon, southeast to the intersection with Forest Road 112 in Icehouse Canyon.

The portion of national forest land between Forest Road 55 and Forest Road 157, south from the forest boundary to the intersection of the above three roads at Tuxedo Junction.

May 27: Black Canyon City structures at risk

A one-acre fire ignited in Black Canyon City on the afternoon of May 27, threatening multiple structures and spreading to a vehicle storage yard, authorities said.

Shortly before 7 p.m., 24 units were on the scene, mostly from Daisy Mountain and Black Canyon fire departments. The fire was near the 21000 block of East Smitty Way.

May 27: Forest closures in Snake Ridge Fire

The lightning-caused Snake Ridge Fire had grown to 4,850 acres on May 27 and was still creeping across the forest floor in the Coconino National Forest.

Forest closure areas have been expanded to the north and east of the fire area, which is about nine miles northwest of Clints Well and several miles west of Lake Mary Road.

Smoke is expected to be visible along Lake Mary Road, on state Routes 87 and 260, and in nearby communities and the Verde Valley over the next several days.

May 27: Pre-evacuation order in Pinal Fire

The Pinal Fire burning south of Globe had scorched more than 6,400 acres of land by the morning of May 27.

On Friday, officials issued a precautionary pre-evacuation notice to some residents in the area, the Gila County Sheriff's Office said.

The notice only affects residents in the Icehouse and Kellner canyons who are south of the Icehouse and Kellner junction, southwest of Globe.

Officials stressed that residents do not need to leave the area at this time, adding that the precautionary notice is because of a change in the fire's "weather and fuel conditions."

Local public-safety personnel will go door to door to give residents information about the pre-evacuation procedures, the Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office said residents should start making preparations now in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

Residents with livestock can choose to shelter their animals at the Burch Sale Yard, officials said, adding that the Phoenix Humane Society would assist in providing shelter for pets if necessary.

More than 600 personnel were working on combating the fire, almost double the number from Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the fire had consumed about 4,300 acres.

The Pinal Fire is the first naturally caused fire to spread through the area in 65 years, starting from a lightning strike on the afternoon of May 8. The fire is being fueled by timber and chaparral in the area, officials said.

Fire officials determined early on to treat the fire as a controlled burn because the area had not burned naturally in so long, while keeping crews in place to prevent it from crossing containment lines.

Residents with questions were asked to call the Pinal Fire Incident Command Center at 928-487-0676.

The Tonto National Forest said the fire was expected to be contained by June 15.

May 27: Authorities issue drone warning

Firefighters spotted four drones flying illegally near the Pinal Fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

When drones are in the area, firefighters ground their aircraft. Helicopters are particularly susceptible to collisions, even with smaller objects, and so it is considered unsafe to fly with a drone in the air.

One drone operator has been cited for flying near the Pinal Fire.

Drone operators who violate the law "may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution," the agency said in a news release.

The fire, which has burned about 6,418 acres since May 8, is being allowed to burn in some areas but contained in others. Firefighters had to ground a tanker releasing retardant until one of the drone issues was resolved, the Forest Service reported.

Dry conditions have triggered fire restrictions throughout southeast Arizona, including Coronado National Forest, where campfires are banned except in developed campgrounds.

Charcoal fires, smoking, target shooting, welding and smoking are included in the ban, which was announced in a multiagency press release.

Camp stoves are allowed. Fires are allowed in metal fire rings at campgrounds but must be extinguished when you leave the campsite.

The ban also covers a number of national parks and monuments, state lands and the Gila District of the Bureau of Land Management. Although there is no camping where some of the restrictions apply, smoking is restricted to vehicles, buildings, developed recreation sites or barren areas at least 3 feet in diameter clear of all flammable materials.

The national parks and monuments are:

Saguaro National Park

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Coronado National Memorial

Chiricahua National Monument

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

State lands in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties are also under fire restrictions.

The Wallow Fire was the largest wildfire in Arizona history.(Photo: Nick Oza/The Republic)

Fire restrictions in effect for Tonto Forest

Tonto National Forest has imposed fire restrictions, banning open campfires and other activities that may spark a wildfire.

Rising temperatures have prompted the agency to restrict fires to metal fire rings in developed campsites, which means campers in undeveloped areas must use stoves, lanterns and heating devices.

The agency has also banned welding equipment, chain saws, or "operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices," the agency said in a press release.

Target shooting is prohibited while the restrictions are in place. Hunting is allowed. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited year-round. Exploding targets and tracer rounds are illegal on public lands.

Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or at a developed recreation site as long as butts are not tossed on the ground.

With temperatures climbing, grasses and leaves are drying out and the fire danger is rising, the agency said.

The Wallow Fire remains the largest wildfire in modern Arizona history.(Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Republic)

10 of the biggest wildfires since 2002

Today’s wildfires are bigger than they once were. That’s no guarantee that this fire season will be bigger than the last, but in 2002, when the Rodeo-Chediski fire burned about 468,638 acres, Arizona got a glimpse of what a century of fire suppression, climate change and a spark can lead to.

High Country News reports that not only are large wildfires more common, but the fire season is also longer.

Crews battle fires near Nogales, Globe

Two wildfires burning in parts of Arizona were not posing an immediate threat to any residents and at least one was being allowed to continue burning, according to officials.

The Peña Fire had burned about 300 acres of mostly grass and brush as of Tuesday night in an area south of Peña Blanca Lake west of Nogales, Coronado National Forest officials said.

The second major fire was burning about 6 miles south of Globe, west of State Route 77, in the Pinal Mountains.

The Pinal Fire was caused by lightning on May 8, according to Tonto National Forest officials.

It had burned about 206 acres as of Tuesday and was zero percent contained, but crews were working the fire as a natural prescribed burn to help prevent future fires, noting the area had not experienced a fire since 1952, when 36 lightning strikes were recorded, said Andrew Mandell, incident commander.

Members of the Blue Ridge Hotshots watch as the Yarnell Hill Fire advances on June 30, 2013. The crew vehicles (buggies) for the Granite Mountain Hotshots are the white vehicles parked at center and right.(Photo: Tom Story/Special for the Republic)

Father of hotshot hopes to move buggy to museum

Two buggies used by the Granite Mountain Hotshots have been put up for sale, and the father of one of the fallen firefighters hopes to turn one of the vehicles into a memorial.

Joe Woyjeck, a retired fire captain and volunteer at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum, said he would like to bring one of the buggies to the museum, to honor the 19 firefighters who died battling the Yarnell Hill Fire in June 2013.

The buggies were used to transport the hotshots to fire scenes and were in Yarnell June 30, the day the Yarnell Hill Fire killed all but one of the elite firefighters.

Woyjeck said his son, Kevin, spent a lot of time in the fire museum while he was growing up.

“All three of my children were in the museum pretty much from the time they could walk,” Joe Woyjeck said.

The Daily Courier in Prescott reported that, in addition to the buggies, the city of Prescott would like to sell Fire Station 7, where the hotshots were based.

Woyjeck said he was focused on the buggies and did not know what might happen to the fire station.

“We want to make sure at least one of the buggies is in our collection … and is treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Although the museum will have the final say, Woyjeck said he envisions having a plaque or seat assigned to each firefighter in the back of the buggy. He also envisions a place where people can leave letters for the fallen hotshots.